The VALKNOT
Also Known As the
GIERRÖD
ALSO KNOWN BY IT'S ACADEMIC NAME OF THE
"TERTRI-KNOT"
UnCOMMON KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THIS SYMBOL:
Meaning, Usage, Origin, and Etymology
TECHNICAL NAME USED IN ACADEMIC STUDIES: The Valknot/Gierröd symbol is called the Ternary Trigonal Knot and/or Ternary Triangular Knot which is abbreviated as “Tertri-Knot” and is the common vernacular for academics that study & do research pertaining to this ancient symbol.
BASIC and MODERN MEANING: Devotion to Heathen Religion/Gods, specifically Odin/Wotan/Allfather.
IT'S CRYPTIC and RITUAL MEANING: Nine (9), from the lore associated with it in the Edda; for the Nine (9) days/nights Odin hung on a tree, wounded by his own Spear. Ritual performed to be bound and belong to Odin/Wotan. Symbolic of being marked for Odin and Valhalla in death and the afterlife.
HISTORICAL ORIGIN: Nine ritual spear-cuts/wounds—made with a spear-tip—by ancient Heathen Warriors on their own bodies; represented as icons/symbols found on archaeological grave goods and burial artifacts. Ancient Roman historical documents (Vindolanda 85-122CE) have instances and references to the "Barbarian Nine (9)" symbol found on laeti and foederati Germanic soldiers, also comments by or attributed to Roman Military Commanders about the superior combat skills and ferocity of these Heathen soldiers who bore the Gierrod (Valknut); these Commanders also advised other Commanders to give preference in recruiting these Germanic soldiers (that had the 'Allemanni Novem' marks on their body) and retaining them in Roman military units.
“To Odin then true-fast
Carves he fair runics,—
Death-runes cut deep on his arm and his breast.”
—Viking Tales of the North (R. B. Anderson).
"He had himself marked with a spear and assigned to himself the weapon-dead men, and said he would go to Goðheimar and be reunited with his friends there."
--Ynglinga saga 8, Heimskringla I
MYSTICAL and ESOTERIC MEANING: Protection granted by Odin from Enemies; Blessing from Odin for Victory in Battle. The symbol traditionally appears colored blood red.
VALKNUT ETYMOLOGY: A kenning meaning belonging to, or bound to Odin/Wotan; A Compound of two words, each meaning "Choice\Elect" and "Binding\knot"; "CHOSEN\ELECT": Old Norse val, Proto-Germanic *walō. "FASTENING\KNOT": Proto-Germanic *knuttan-, Old Frisian knotta, Dutch knot, Old High German knoto, German Knoten, Old Norse knutr, from Proto Indo-European *nōdo-.
Despite many assertions, the symbol has no relation to "Hrungnir's Heart" as written in the story of Skáldskaparmál. The only thing that the Tertri-Knot and "Hrungnirs Heart" have in common is a triangular shape.
GIERRÖD ETYMOLOGY: A kenning for devotional self-inflicted spear cuts or wounds to Odin/Wotan; A Compound of two words, each meaning "Spear" and "Red"; "SPEAR": Proto-Germanic *gaizaz, Old High German gêr, Old English gâr, Old Norse gierr, from a Proto-Indo-European root *sper- 'spear, pole'... "RED" or "RÖD": Proto-Germanic *raudaz, Old English rēad, Dutch rood, and German rot, from an Indo-European root shared by Sanskrit rudhira ‘red’.
OTHER USAGE AND MEANINGS: Symbol of Odin's magic, spells, and charms. A curse to bind your enemies. Symbol for the Slain in Battle. Symbol for a sacrifice to Odin. Having deep and ancient religious ties to the Tripartition of the Cosmic Order of the Gods & Goddesses.
Other Vernacular Designations: Valknutr; Gerrod; Wotans-Knot; Odins-Knot; Odins-Charm; Heathen-Nine; Knot-of-the-Fallen; Tri-Thirds; Tertrangle...
This Symbol appears inscribed upon hundreds of Ancient Standing Stones Throughout Europe & beyond, most often in association with a figure of Wotan/Odin, as well as figures of Ravens, Eagles, and Horses. The complex formulation of the Tertri-Knot demonstrates a more complex esoteric meaning, bound to the Cosmic Tripartion that orders the Heathen concept of the three primal stations in life (e.g., Rígsþula: The Lay of Rig)... The Valknot has been found carved into a diversity of ancient items and materials, such as human & animal bone, wood, gold, silver, bronze, Iron, animal-horns, combs, bed-frames, belts, Dragon-Masts of ships, bowls, pots, mirrors, chests, and door-frames--usually accompanied by Protective/Healing Charms written/carved in Runes. There is no question that this Symbol had a long-standing religious significance for hundreds-of-years among the Heathen peoples, as well as being known as a "magical" protective symbol with restorative or healing powers that brought the user well-being and good-luck...
Related to the Tertri-Knots are the
ANCIENT ARTIFACTS THAT FEATURE THE TERTRI-KNOT/VALKNOT
VARIATIONS OF THE TERTRI-KNOT, VALKNUT, or GIERRÖD:
The Tertri-Knot/Valknut construction typically consists of elements which represent the sum of nine (9) through mathematical combinations (e.g., 3 x 3=9 or 3+3+3=9); most are composed of three triangles--each individual triangle representing three (3 angles/3 points); some contain 3 x three-pointed-stars and others even use the number three itself...
This Gierröd design (below) is based upon an ancient tattoo found on the preserved 3000-year-old remains of a female Heathen, possibly a Chieftain or Priestess; it conveys a simplicity not unlike what actual ritual Gierröd wounds may have looked like...
